Seal impression (cast), of Edward Balliol

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Great Seal of Edward Balliol dating from around 1332. Great Seals were used primarily for granting lands.

The seal depicts the king on an elaborate throne, holding a sceptre in one hand and an orb in the other. The seal reflects English influence in its design, hardly surprising since Edward had spent many years in England. The inscription translates as 'Edward by the grace of God, king of the Scots.' The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

When Robert the Bruce died in 1329, his young son David was crowned at Scone. However, many nobles supported Edward Balliol, son of the late king John Balliol. David fled to France, and Edward Balliol was proclaimed king. He gained and held power with the support of English armies.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-733-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.748
• Date: c. 1332
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1332
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: EDWARDVS DEI GRACIA REX SCOTTORVM
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 102 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Edward Balliol
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Great Seal of Edward Balliol, depicting the king on his throne, c. 1332
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.8 no.31 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 8 no. 31. 
• Translations:
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